No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: Personal Notes:
JAMTillDawn: Coming up with the questions not only teases you, but helps keep me on track. I'm not the most organized person in the world, and they're one trick I use to keep me from wandering. Not that it always works . . .
keeponwritin: Just because Melina's mom kept her cool while her daughter was CRYING IN HER ARMS doesn't mean the hammer won't fall. Besides, she's had to deal with her for thirteen years, she may have been dreading something like this for a while now. That would reduce the surprise, the shock, and as a result, the raw anger. If she had been playing ostrich to her daughter's behavior, I think her reaction would have been . . . harsher.
`
Chapter 31
Learning Curve
`
As they settled down for the night, Miranda remembered something. "Hey, do you realize it's one week since one said you love me? I guess that's kind of an anniversary, isn't it?"
Matt smiled. 'Score one to Dr. Gordon.' "Yes, I know it's been a week. Your father reminded me about that. But that's not the date I'm marking. I'd rather mark Friday, the day you first said you loved me. That, to me, is when we became a couple. Does that sound good to you?"
"Yes, it does." She settled into place on he's shoulder. Before he clasped his hands, she spun to face him. "Hey, that's it!"
"What?"
"Well, mom and I were talking earlier, and she suggested that I take you out on a date. We could celebrate our one week anniversary with our first real date. How does that sound to you?"
"It sounds like a good idea. Except for one thing."
"What?"
"Remember your worry about Kate finding out about us? I'm sure she's not the only one who might cause you a problem when our relationship comes out. Are you sure you're ready to deal with that?"
She looked downcast, ashamed of herself. "That was a stupid thing for me to say." She caught his look. "Don't correct me. It was. I'm just so used to thinking about that, it's become automatic. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed about loving you. Everyone who matters already knows, and is okay with it. So if I drop some on the social ladder at school, I don't care. But now that you've brought it up, I am worried about you." He looked puzzled. "Remember how you reacted to Ethan's cradle-robbing joke?"
He winced in memory. "Not one of my better moments."
"If Claire or some others see us and start insulting me when you're there, how do you think you'd react?"
He thought for a moment, then ruefully admitted. "I'd be pissed, and you'd probably have to hold me back."
"Exactly what I'm afraid of."
It was Sam's turn on the cot this night. He had been laying quietly. "I have an idea, if you don't mind."
'These words seldom lead to any good.' "Go ahead, dad."
Sam heard the not-quite-buried dread in his son's voice, and had to hold back a chuckle. "First, I'll give you a reason to not go this Friday you haven't mentioned. Tomorrow night will be the first night you retry sleeping out of each other's arms. While we all hope you have a good night, I think you'll agree it's unlikely. That won't leave either of you in a good condition to go out. But if you were to wait for your one MONTH anniversary, you should be sleeping more normally, and Matt will have a month's worth of anger-management training to draw on if people do start hassling you."
Matt was pleasantly surprised. "That sounds like a good plan. What do you think?"
Miranda looked a little sour. "Wait a whole month?"
"Only to go public. We'll have plenty of time for ourselves before then."
"Good point. Okay, it's a date."
"Now that that's settled, how about you two get some sleep?"
"Yes, dad." "Yes, sir."
~~~~~~~~
When they were sure Miranda was asleep, Matt and Sam measured her ring finger. They were relieved that she didn't stir.
~~~~~~~~
As they did the previous morning, Miranda and Matt made breakfast. They managed to nearly burn the sausages, letting themselves get lost in a particularly passionate kiss. When Lizzie came downstairs, she made a lot of noise, bouncing all the way to the kitchen as much as her crutches would let her, humming to herself. Miranda was surprised by her friend's display. "What has you in such a good mood?"
Lizzie's smile was beaming. "If all goes well, Gordo gets to go home today."
Matt decided to mimic the way Lizzie had teased him. "Going to escort him home, big sister?"
Lizzie was in too good a mood to rise to the bait. "If the doctor lets him go home today."
"Just watch for pratfalls."
"HEY!" Miranda chucked a dry towel at him, but he ducked it. "So, do you have any plans for him once he's home?" Lizzie shot her a look. "I didn't mean THAT, but just things like dating. He's been stuck in that hospital for so long, he'll probably welcome some time outside."
"We had decided not to start dating until we were out of our casts, but I think you're right. Hey, why don't we have a party!" They both looked at her like she was out of her wits. "Not a major production, just the three families. Celebrate everyone being back home."
"That's not such a bad idea." Miranda perked up. "We could do it at the park, in the pavilion area."
"As beautiful as you are when you're happy," Matt told her, "I think I'm going to have to upset you here, because there were four of you in that crash, and it doesn't seem right to me not to invite the Crafts to the party."
"And if Ethan comes, he'll want to bring Kate." Miranda clearly wasn't pleased with the idea, saying Kate's name like doing so left a bitter aftertaste.
"She is his fiancé" Matt observed.
"Matt, do you realize how . . . uncomfortable that could be" Miranda pointed out. "They'll be there with three people who don't like her, two of whom have reason not to like him."
"No, we don't." Miranda looked at her. "You said it last night. Ethan breaking up with me gave me the freedom to go to Gordo, without worrying about hurting him. And Gordo has no reason to be jealous of Ethan anymore."
"And what about Kate? I don't know if I could just welcome her with open arms after these past few years."
"Invite her here" came Sam's voice from the doorway as he walked in, heading straight to the coffee maker.
"Thanks for the scare, dad." Lizzie chided. "And what do you mean invite her here? What for?"
"Sorry for scaring you. And I mean invite Kate here so you, Miranda, and Gordo can try to work things out."
"How long have you been listening?" Matt asked.
"I woke to Lizzie thundering down the stairs. The first thing I heard was Lizzie saying we should have a party, and I didn't want to interrupt. But I've got to have this coffee."
"Save some for me" Jo said as she walked in. "Lizzie, don't make so much noise coming downstairs. I though you'd lost your balance and fallen down them, until I heard you humming."
Lizzie blushed. "Sorry, mom."
Jo looked at the breakfast. "You're going to spoil us, Miranda." Now was Miranda's turn to blush. "Now what's this about a party?" As they served up breakfast and sat down to eat, the three kids filled Jo and Sam in on what had been said. "I agree with the idea of a party. I think we could all use it. As for Kate, that's up to you two girls and Gordo, but I agree that it may be time to try. The idea of having her over to talk sounds like a good one. But you," she pointed to her son, "will stay out of the way if they do it. I know you'll want to be there, but this is between them."
"I was already planning on that. I'll be in shouting range, but that's it. I don't want my temper to ruin it."
"You're both assuming we're going to do this." Miranda cut in. "I mean, this is Kate we're talking about. What makes you think she'd be willing to lower herself to talk to us?"
"Miranda, I know you were hurt by her more than the rest of us, but what could it hurt to try? I mean, if it works, great. If it doesn't, nothing changes."
"Wait." A light dawned for Matt. "You were the one most hurt by her?" Miranda slowly nodded. "You're afraid she'll hurt you again, aren't you?"
"And why shouldn't I be?!? That's what she does, Matt, she hurts people. What if she agrees to come, only make some cruel joke out of it? I've been her target too many times to trust her like that again."
"First off, you'd be inviting her HERE for the meeting. It'll be tough for her to do something where you'll have home field advantage. Second, it will be three-on-one. Trust a veteran troublemaker, those aren't good odds. Last, remember what you said last night about my icy tune. If it will make you feel more comfortable, I'll make sure she knows I'm close . . ."
"Stop right there, Matthew."
He winced at his mother's use of his full first name. 'At least she didn't use my middle name.' He tried to sound innocent and sweet. "Yes, mom?"
It didn't work. "I will not have you threatening people. When it happens before you realize what you're doing is bad enough, but you will NOT do it deliberately. Your father and I brought you up better than that."
He knew she would be right, if that was all there was to it. To him, however, it was more complicated than that. "Mom, it's not that simple yet. I can't make myself leave Miranda, but I don't trust myself yet. Shouldn't she know about what kind of hornets' nest she'd be stirring up of she does try something?"
They all heard the fear coloring his words, and realized he was still afraid of himself. "If you want to escort her to them, fine. But you will NOT make any threats, clear? Besides, I expect you'll be busy keeping Ethan company."
"I still haven't agreed to this." Miranda reminded them. "I'm still not sure it's worth the . . ."
She was cut off in mid sentence by Matt planting a kiss on her good enough to embarrass the others at the table. Lizzie's checks were particularly crimson. When he released her, he was eye-to-eye with her. "Please?"
She melted. "It's not fair, arguing like that."
"I learned from the best."
She smiled at that. "Alright. I'll do it."
~~~~~~~~
By noon, everyone was either gone or going somewhere. Sam was at work, Miranda was spending the day with Lily, Matt was being driven by his mother to his first anger management session with Dr. Hyde, and Lizzie was with Gordo and his mother as they waited for his doctor to clear him to go home. She had just told them about this morning's discussion. "I'll give Matt credit for finding a way to end an argument with her." Gordo said with a smile. "I may have to try that sometime."
"You are not kissing Miranda like that!" Lizzie replied in mock anger.
"I wouldn't dream of it" he laughed. "Matt would have my hide before you did!"
"So, what do you think about the idea of having a talk with Kate?"
"I don't think I can trust her yet, but if Miranda's willing, I think we should try. Maybe she has changed. We won't know unless we take that step."
"You just made you mother very proud." The smile she wore was proof of her words.
~~~~~~~~
It didn't take more than one look at Matt for Jo to see how nervous he felt. "I expect it's normal to be nervous."
"I don't think nervous begins to cover it. These sessions are important in more ways than I can count. I can't let this not work, yet if I push too hard, that could be exactly what happens. Everything depends on this."
"I know how important this is, but you really should relax. How about some music?" Before he could answer, she put in a cassette Miranda had given her.
As the music began, he recognized it instantly. He turned to her, both amused and incredulous. "Should I ask which one of you had this bright idea?"
"Sorry, I promised not to tell."
~~~~~~~~
"Lizzie, I appreciate the thought, really, but how much help are you going to be when you're still cast-and-crutch bound yourself?"
She was visibly offended by that. "I'll have you know, DAVID," he winced at the way she used his name, "that I've been practicing a lot with these things, and I can show you a thing or two about NOT ending up on your butt. And how to get back up ON YOUR OWN if you do."
He had realized his blunder as soon as he made it. "You're right, Lizzie, I didn't think. I'm sorry."
"Agreed."
"Ouch."
Mrs. Gordon was staying clear of the exchange of fire. Sensing a lull, he cut in. "Lizzie, just remember that he is a man, and they're prone to speaking without thinking."
Gordo just shook his head. "Great! You're already ganging up on me. How does Matt handle having three of you there?"
"Ask him yourself sometime. Just be prepared for him to say anything. More than a few times, I've wondered if this was like that one movie you had us watch. The one with the pods."
He smiled at the reference. "I've been wondering how long it would be before somebody mentioned 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' when talking about him. But, really, is he that different?"
Lizzie had to think for a moment. "He's getting more and more like the old Matt every day. But still, he'll say and do things that make me wonder who he is anymore."
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Mr. Gordon, I see you have company." It was his attending physician, Dr. Murray. "I managed to get Dr. Benoit to agree to your release if this exam goes well, although I nearly needed to use a club on him." Gordo laughed at the reference to his cardiologist's bulldog nature. "I can begin whenever you're ready."
"I take it he hasn't found a cause yet."
"No, and I've never seen him in as foul a mood. Pity any intern that crosses him for a while."
"He hasn't been cross with me yet, but I'd still like to get out of the line of fire, so I'm ready to begin."
~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Jo asked. They were in the waiting area of Dr. Hyde. It was a very generic waiting area in a generic looking mini-mail clinic.
"I'm sure. You've been great about all this, but this is something I need to do myself."
"I couldn't do any less than I have. I wish I could do more."
"I would expect no less from my friend's wife." Came a familiar, eternally calm voice.
"David?!?" Matt was surprised to see his father's friend again, and here. "Are you the doctor?"
The man smiled. "No. I never had much formal schooling. I was just having lunch with a former student of mine. I believe Ian is the doctor you speak of, as this is his clinic."
"Are you Matthew McGuire?" Another man in workout clothes was now standing next to David.
"Yes, I'm Matt."
"I'm Dr. Ian Hyde. Do you two know each other?"
"His father is a friend, and I helped Matt with a project once. He is an impressive young man, much like a former student of mine." Matt blushed at the complement.
A smile crossed Dr. Hyde's face. "I see." He turned back to Matt. "Did you bring your workout clothes?"
"Yep." He picked up the duffle bag.
"Good. First we talk, then we work."
~~~~~~~~
(A/N: I've never been to anger management, and I'm not someone who likes to fake it. So I ask your forgiveness for not writing up a session for you.)
~~~~~~~~
A little before three, Gordo and Lizzie had just settled on the Gordons' living room couch when the phone rang. "I'll get it" Mrs. Gordon said as she moved to the cordless unit. "Hello, Gordon residence. Oh, hello Jo, how are you?" A pause. "Yes, they're both right here. Would you like to speak to one of them?" A brief pause. "Hang on." She spoke as she walked to Lizzie. "Your mother for you."
"Thanks" she took the phone. Mrs. Gordon left the room. "Hey, mom, what's up?" A pause. "How did it go?" A longer pause. Lizzie smiled in barely contained laughter. "Well, I guess that was to be expected, but I'm glad he likes it." A pause. "He's okay with the idea. The thing now is when do was do this, and who asks." A longer pause. Lizzie's jaw dropped. "What?!? What gave you that idea?" An even longer pause. "I guess that makes sense. Do you think he's up to that?" A brief pause. "You're right there, this is minor compared to what he would do for her." A pause. "I'll ask." She placed a hand over the mouthpiece. "If Kate agrees, would you be up to meeting her tomorrow at my place?"
"Sure. We can do it in your back yard. I need some time outside."
She returned to the call. "He says he can, but he would like it out back. Is that okay?" A brief pause. "Alright. I think Ethan's personal number is still in my address book by my phone. You might want to have him use that." A brief pause. "Okay, I'll see you later. Goodbye, mom." After a brief pause, she hung up.
Gordo couldn't wait. "Unless I'm mistaken, it sounded like she wants Matt to set this up."
"Yeah. She figures that since Ethan called him about the engagement, Matt could call Ethan about this, and then Ethan could convince Kate."
Gordo shook his head. "That still sounds so strange, those two engaged. But I like the idea. Matt and Ethan would be like Jimmy Carter. I just hope this time the success is long term." Lizzie had a 'what are you talking about' look. "I'll explain later. Right now, I want to know why you nearly started laughing."
Lizzie smiled again. "Remember when I told you about how Matt was going to start anger management counseling, and how the guy he's going to see includes judo, for the discipline it requires?"
Now Gordo smiled. "Yeah. I take it today was the day?"
"First session. Mom said he likes it, and he isn't complaining, much, but you can tell by watching him that he is sore all over. It's not really a surprise, but she's being all motherly about it. Shouldn't take too long for her to drive Matt up the wall."
Mrs. Gordon placed drinks on the coffee table. "With everything going on, I'm amazed at the restraint she's shown. So many parents would become overprotective to the point of inadvertently hurting their child's growth as a person. I hope you realize how good you have it, Lizzie."
"I do."
~~~~~~~~
Ethan and Kate were talking in the Craft's rec room (A/N: Fully clothed!) when his cell phone started ringing. He grabbed it, opened it, and thanked his laziness for getting one that let you take incoming calls just by opening it. "Hello." Brief pause. "Matt, how did . . . oh, Lizzie gave it to you. What's up?" A long pause. "Wow. Who came up with this idea?" A pause. Ethan got a big smile. "Why do I think you did more than you're saying?" A brief pause, than Ethan's eyes were dancing. "Easy, Matt. It doesn't matter who. I think you've got a good idea. Call back in an hour, while I talk to Kate about this, okay." A brief pause. "Okay, bye." He closed the phone.
"What was that all about?"
"Are you sitting down?"
"Yes. Why?"
"You know all the talks we've had about you trying to make up with Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda?"
"Yes." She sounded despondent. "But I told you, while there might be a chance with the others, I don't see how Miranda could forgive me. I know I couldn't. And if she won't do it, the others won't, and I can't ask them to."
"You don't have to ask. They want to meet with you tomorrow to try to work things out. All three of them."
She was clearly astonished. "Even Miranda?!? How?"
"Yes, even Miranda. And I don't know exactly how, but I'll give ten-to-one that Matt is responsible. And before you ask, I'm invited, but both Matt and I are to be no closer than shouting range. This is to be between just you four."
"I'd rather you were closer, but I guess it makes sense. It could get nasty, and having somebody get protective could end things too fast."
"And I'm sure I'm not the only one they're worried about. Remember how Matt's voice turned when he asked you about if you were going to bother Miranda?"
She shuttered. "Yes, and the look in his eyes. I'm glad he'll be with you, not us."
"I'm not sure how to take that" he teased.
She lightly slapped his shoulder. "You know what I meant."
"Does that mean you'll do it?"
"Yes. I need to do this. And the sooner we do it, the less time I have to worry about it."
~~~~~~
"How you thought you were going to get any sleep without dealing with those aches is beyond me." Miranda chided Matt.
"Really, it's not that OUCH . . . bad." He said the last word resigned to the fact that his cry of pain had betrayed him. "I'm just not used to it. It'll be fine, really."
"Until you get used to it, you WILL let one of us help you." His mother's words left no room for argument.
The coffee table had been moved from the middle of the McGuire living room. In its place, Matt lay on his stomach, while Jo taught Miranda how to give the type of therapeutic massage she had used on his neck and arm Saturday. Sam found the whole situation rather amusing. "Just remind yourself that this was the first day. I'm sure you've got some even more interesting lessons to come."
"You're not helping, dad."
"Aside from the soreness, how did you like it?" Miranda asked.
"It was pretty good. Dr. Hyde's a nice guy. He even takes jokes about the name well."
"You told a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde joke to a judo instructor? What am I going to do with you."
"Whatever you . . ."
"Please don't say things like that when I'm in the room, Matt." Lizzie interrupted.
"Sorry, sis." He changed topic. "How was you're day with Gordo."
"About as good as two cast-and-crutch-bound people can have. They still don't know what happened, but not for lack of trying. That doctor of his is almost possessed with a need to found an answer."
"At least he's still trying. Are you ready for tomorrow? The way Ethan talked, I think Kate's already nervous."
"I can't get over how you two are getting along."
"Mutual goals. First was you and Gordo, now you three and Kate. I have no idea if things will stay like this. And you didn't answer the question OUCH! was that necessary?"
"Don't harass my friend. We're all nervous, hon. Just because we're doing this doesn't mean we trust her. She has a lot to answer for."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Tomorrow should prove very important. But first, Matt and Miranda have to face tonight, on separate mats. Next chapter: Fear itself.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: Personal Notes:
JAMTillDawn: Coming up with the questions not only teases you, but helps keep me on track. I'm not the most organized person in the world, and they're one trick I use to keep me from wandering. Not that it always works . . .
keeponwritin: Just because Melina's mom kept her cool while her daughter was CRYING IN HER ARMS doesn't mean the hammer won't fall. Besides, she's had to deal with her for thirteen years, she may have been dreading something like this for a while now. That would reduce the surprise, the shock, and as a result, the raw anger. If she had been playing ostrich to her daughter's behavior, I think her reaction would have been . . . harsher.
`
Chapter 31
Learning Curve
`
As they settled down for the night, Miranda remembered something. "Hey, do you realize it's one week since one said you love me? I guess that's kind of an anniversary, isn't it?"
Matt smiled. 'Score one to Dr. Gordon.' "Yes, I know it's been a week. Your father reminded me about that. But that's not the date I'm marking. I'd rather mark Friday, the day you first said you loved me. That, to me, is when we became a couple. Does that sound good to you?"
"Yes, it does." She settled into place on he's shoulder. Before he clasped his hands, she spun to face him. "Hey, that's it!"
"What?"
"Well, mom and I were talking earlier, and she suggested that I take you out on a date. We could celebrate our one week anniversary with our first real date. How does that sound to you?"
"It sounds like a good idea. Except for one thing."
"What?"
"Remember your worry about Kate finding out about us? I'm sure she's not the only one who might cause you a problem when our relationship comes out. Are you sure you're ready to deal with that?"
She looked downcast, ashamed of herself. "That was a stupid thing for me to say." She caught his look. "Don't correct me. It was. I'm just so used to thinking about that, it's become automatic. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed about loving you. Everyone who matters already knows, and is okay with it. So if I drop some on the social ladder at school, I don't care. But now that you've brought it up, I am worried about you." He looked puzzled. "Remember how you reacted to Ethan's cradle-robbing joke?"
He winced in memory. "Not one of my better moments."
"If Claire or some others see us and start insulting me when you're there, how do you think you'd react?"
He thought for a moment, then ruefully admitted. "I'd be pissed, and you'd probably have to hold me back."
"Exactly what I'm afraid of."
It was Sam's turn on the cot this night. He had been laying quietly. "I have an idea, if you don't mind."
'These words seldom lead to any good.' "Go ahead, dad."
Sam heard the not-quite-buried dread in his son's voice, and had to hold back a chuckle. "First, I'll give you a reason to not go this Friday you haven't mentioned. Tomorrow night will be the first night you retry sleeping out of each other's arms. While we all hope you have a good night, I think you'll agree it's unlikely. That won't leave either of you in a good condition to go out. But if you were to wait for your one MONTH anniversary, you should be sleeping more normally, and Matt will have a month's worth of anger-management training to draw on if people do start hassling you."
Matt was pleasantly surprised. "That sounds like a good plan. What do you think?"
Miranda looked a little sour. "Wait a whole month?"
"Only to go public. We'll have plenty of time for ourselves before then."
"Good point. Okay, it's a date."
"Now that that's settled, how about you two get some sleep?"
"Yes, dad." "Yes, sir."
~~~~~~~~
When they were sure Miranda was asleep, Matt and Sam measured her ring finger. They were relieved that she didn't stir.
~~~~~~~~
As they did the previous morning, Miranda and Matt made breakfast. They managed to nearly burn the sausages, letting themselves get lost in a particularly passionate kiss. When Lizzie came downstairs, she made a lot of noise, bouncing all the way to the kitchen as much as her crutches would let her, humming to herself. Miranda was surprised by her friend's display. "What has you in such a good mood?"
Lizzie's smile was beaming. "If all goes well, Gordo gets to go home today."
Matt decided to mimic the way Lizzie had teased him. "Going to escort him home, big sister?"
Lizzie was in too good a mood to rise to the bait. "If the doctor lets him go home today."
"Just watch for pratfalls."
"HEY!" Miranda chucked a dry towel at him, but he ducked it. "So, do you have any plans for him once he's home?" Lizzie shot her a look. "I didn't mean THAT, but just things like dating. He's been stuck in that hospital for so long, he'll probably welcome some time outside."
"We had decided not to start dating until we were out of our casts, but I think you're right. Hey, why don't we have a party!" They both looked at her like she was out of her wits. "Not a major production, just the three families. Celebrate everyone being back home."
"That's not such a bad idea." Miranda perked up. "We could do it at the park, in the pavilion area."
"As beautiful as you are when you're happy," Matt told her, "I think I'm going to have to upset you here, because there were four of you in that crash, and it doesn't seem right to me not to invite the Crafts to the party."
"And if Ethan comes, he'll want to bring Kate." Miranda clearly wasn't pleased with the idea, saying Kate's name like doing so left a bitter aftertaste.
"She is his fiancé" Matt observed.
"Matt, do you realize how . . . uncomfortable that could be" Miranda pointed out. "They'll be there with three people who don't like her, two of whom have reason not to like him."
"No, we don't." Miranda looked at her. "You said it last night. Ethan breaking up with me gave me the freedom to go to Gordo, without worrying about hurting him. And Gordo has no reason to be jealous of Ethan anymore."
"And what about Kate? I don't know if I could just welcome her with open arms after these past few years."
"Invite her here" came Sam's voice from the doorway as he walked in, heading straight to the coffee maker.
"Thanks for the scare, dad." Lizzie chided. "And what do you mean invite her here? What for?"
"Sorry for scaring you. And I mean invite Kate here so you, Miranda, and Gordo can try to work things out."
"How long have you been listening?" Matt asked.
"I woke to Lizzie thundering down the stairs. The first thing I heard was Lizzie saying we should have a party, and I didn't want to interrupt. But I've got to have this coffee."
"Save some for me" Jo said as she walked in. "Lizzie, don't make so much noise coming downstairs. I though you'd lost your balance and fallen down them, until I heard you humming."
Lizzie blushed. "Sorry, mom."
Jo looked at the breakfast. "You're going to spoil us, Miranda." Now was Miranda's turn to blush. "Now what's this about a party?" As they served up breakfast and sat down to eat, the three kids filled Jo and Sam in on what had been said. "I agree with the idea of a party. I think we could all use it. As for Kate, that's up to you two girls and Gordo, but I agree that it may be time to try. The idea of having her over to talk sounds like a good one. But you," she pointed to her son, "will stay out of the way if they do it. I know you'll want to be there, but this is between them."
"I was already planning on that. I'll be in shouting range, but that's it. I don't want my temper to ruin it."
"You're both assuming we're going to do this." Miranda cut in. "I mean, this is Kate we're talking about. What makes you think she'd be willing to lower herself to talk to us?"
"Miranda, I know you were hurt by her more than the rest of us, but what could it hurt to try? I mean, if it works, great. If it doesn't, nothing changes."
"Wait." A light dawned for Matt. "You were the one most hurt by her?" Miranda slowly nodded. "You're afraid she'll hurt you again, aren't you?"
"And why shouldn't I be?!? That's what she does, Matt, she hurts people. What if she agrees to come, only make some cruel joke out of it? I've been her target too many times to trust her like that again."
"First off, you'd be inviting her HERE for the meeting. It'll be tough for her to do something where you'll have home field advantage. Second, it will be three-on-one. Trust a veteran troublemaker, those aren't good odds. Last, remember what you said last night about my icy tune. If it will make you feel more comfortable, I'll make sure she knows I'm close . . ."
"Stop right there, Matthew."
He winced at his mother's use of his full first name. 'At least she didn't use my middle name.' He tried to sound innocent and sweet. "Yes, mom?"
It didn't work. "I will not have you threatening people. When it happens before you realize what you're doing is bad enough, but you will NOT do it deliberately. Your father and I brought you up better than that."
He knew she would be right, if that was all there was to it. To him, however, it was more complicated than that. "Mom, it's not that simple yet. I can't make myself leave Miranda, but I don't trust myself yet. Shouldn't she know about what kind of hornets' nest she'd be stirring up of she does try something?"
They all heard the fear coloring his words, and realized he was still afraid of himself. "If you want to escort her to them, fine. But you will NOT make any threats, clear? Besides, I expect you'll be busy keeping Ethan company."
"I still haven't agreed to this." Miranda reminded them. "I'm still not sure it's worth the . . ."
She was cut off in mid sentence by Matt planting a kiss on her good enough to embarrass the others at the table. Lizzie's checks were particularly crimson. When he released her, he was eye-to-eye with her. "Please?"
She melted. "It's not fair, arguing like that."
"I learned from the best."
She smiled at that. "Alright. I'll do it."
~~~~~~~~
By noon, everyone was either gone or going somewhere. Sam was at work, Miranda was spending the day with Lily, Matt was being driven by his mother to his first anger management session with Dr. Hyde, and Lizzie was with Gordo and his mother as they waited for his doctor to clear him to go home. She had just told them about this morning's discussion. "I'll give Matt credit for finding a way to end an argument with her." Gordo said with a smile. "I may have to try that sometime."
"You are not kissing Miranda like that!" Lizzie replied in mock anger.
"I wouldn't dream of it" he laughed. "Matt would have my hide before you did!"
"So, what do you think about the idea of having a talk with Kate?"
"I don't think I can trust her yet, but if Miranda's willing, I think we should try. Maybe she has changed. We won't know unless we take that step."
"You just made you mother very proud." The smile she wore was proof of her words.
~~~~~~~~
It didn't take more than one look at Matt for Jo to see how nervous he felt. "I expect it's normal to be nervous."
"I don't think nervous begins to cover it. These sessions are important in more ways than I can count. I can't let this not work, yet if I push too hard, that could be exactly what happens. Everything depends on this."
"I know how important this is, but you really should relax. How about some music?" Before he could answer, she put in a cassette Miranda had given her.
As the music began, he recognized it instantly. He turned to her, both amused and incredulous. "Should I ask which one of you had this bright idea?"
"Sorry, I promised not to tell."
~~~~~~~~
"Lizzie, I appreciate the thought, really, but how much help are you going to be when you're still cast-and-crutch bound yourself?"
She was visibly offended by that. "I'll have you know, DAVID," he winced at the way she used his name, "that I've been practicing a lot with these things, and I can show you a thing or two about NOT ending up on your butt. And how to get back up ON YOUR OWN if you do."
He had realized his blunder as soon as he made it. "You're right, Lizzie, I didn't think. I'm sorry."
"Agreed."
"Ouch."
Mrs. Gordon was staying clear of the exchange of fire. Sensing a lull, he cut in. "Lizzie, just remember that he is a man, and they're prone to speaking without thinking."
Gordo just shook his head. "Great! You're already ganging up on me. How does Matt handle having three of you there?"
"Ask him yourself sometime. Just be prepared for him to say anything. More than a few times, I've wondered if this was like that one movie you had us watch. The one with the pods."
He smiled at the reference. "I've been wondering how long it would be before somebody mentioned 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' when talking about him. But, really, is he that different?"
Lizzie had to think for a moment. "He's getting more and more like the old Matt every day. But still, he'll say and do things that make me wonder who he is anymore."
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Mr. Gordon, I see you have company." It was his attending physician, Dr. Murray. "I managed to get Dr. Benoit to agree to your release if this exam goes well, although I nearly needed to use a club on him." Gordo laughed at the reference to his cardiologist's bulldog nature. "I can begin whenever you're ready."
"I take it he hasn't found a cause yet."
"No, and I've never seen him in as foul a mood. Pity any intern that crosses him for a while."
"He hasn't been cross with me yet, but I'd still like to get out of the line of fire, so I'm ready to begin."
~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Jo asked. They were in the waiting area of Dr. Hyde. It was a very generic waiting area in a generic looking mini-mail clinic.
"I'm sure. You've been great about all this, but this is something I need to do myself."
"I couldn't do any less than I have. I wish I could do more."
"I would expect no less from my friend's wife." Came a familiar, eternally calm voice.
"David?!?" Matt was surprised to see his father's friend again, and here. "Are you the doctor?"
The man smiled. "No. I never had much formal schooling. I was just having lunch with a former student of mine. I believe Ian is the doctor you speak of, as this is his clinic."
"Are you Matthew McGuire?" Another man in workout clothes was now standing next to David.
"Yes, I'm Matt."
"I'm Dr. Ian Hyde. Do you two know each other?"
"His father is a friend, and I helped Matt with a project once. He is an impressive young man, much like a former student of mine." Matt blushed at the complement.
A smile crossed Dr. Hyde's face. "I see." He turned back to Matt. "Did you bring your workout clothes?"
"Yep." He picked up the duffle bag.
"Good. First we talk, then we work."
~~~~~~~~
(A/N: I've never been to anger management, and I'm not someone who likes to fake it. So I ask your forgiveness for not writing up a session for you.)
~~~~~~~~
A little before three, Gordo and Lizzie had just settled on the Gordons' living room couch when the phone rang. "I'll get it" Mrs. Gordon said as she moved to the cordless unit. "Hello, Gordon residence. Oh, hello Jo, how are you?" A pause. "Yes, they're both right here. Would you like to speak to one of them?" A brief pause. "Hang on." She spoke as she walked to Lizzie. "Your mother for you."
"Thanks" she took the phone. Mrs. Gordon left the room. "Hey, mom, what's up?" A pause. "How did it go?" A longer pause. Lizzie smiled in barely contained laughter. "Well, I guess that was to be expected, but I'm glad he likes it." A pause. "He's okay with the idea. The thing now is when do was do this, and who asks." A longer pause. Lizzie's jaw dropped. "What?!? What gave you that idea?" An even longer pause. "I guess that makes sense. Do you think he's up to that?" A brief pause. "You're right there, this is minor compared to what he would do for her." A pause. "I'll ask." She placed a hand over the mouthpiece. "If Kate agrees, would you be up to meeting her tomorrow at my place?"
"Sure. We can do it in your back yard. I need some time outside."
She returned to the call. "He says he can, but he would like it out back. Is that okay?" A brief pause. "Alright. I think Ethan's personal number is still in my address book by my phone. You might want to have him use that." A brief pause. "Okay, I'll see you later. Goodbye, mom." After a brief pause, she hung up.
Gordo couldn't wait. "Unless I'm mistaken, it sounded like she wants Matt to set this up."
"Yeah. She figures that since Ethan called him about the engagement, Matt could call Ethan about this, and then Ethan could convince Kate."
Gordo shook his head. "That still sounds so strange, those two engaged. But I like the idea. Matt and Ethan would be like Jimmy Carter. I just hope this time the success is long term." Lizzie had a 'what are you talking about' look. "I'll explain later. Right now, I want to know why you nearly started laughing."
Lizzie smiled again. "Remember when I told you about how Matt was going to start anger management counseling, and how the guy he's going to see includes judo, for the discipline it requires?"
Now Gordo smiled. "Yeah. I take it today was the day?"
"First session. Mom said he likes it, and he isn't complaining, much, but you can tell by watching him that he is sore all over. It's not really a surprise, but she's being all motherly about it. Shouldn't take too long for her to drive Matt up the wall."
Mrs. Gordon placed drinks on the coffee table. "With everything going on, I'm amazed at the restraint she's shown. So many parents would become overprotective to the point of inadvertently hurting their child's growth as a person. I hope you realize how good you have it, Lizzie."
"I do."
~~~~~~~~
Ethan and Kate were talking in the Craft's rec room (A/N: Fully clothed!) when his cell phone started ringing. He grabbed it, opened it, and thanked his laziness for getting one that let you take incoming calls just by opening it. "Hello." Brief pause. "Matt, how did . . . oh, Lizzie gave it to you. What's up?" A long pause. "Wow. Who came up with this idea?" A pause. Ethan got a big smile. "Why do I think you did more than you're saying?" A brief pause, than Ethan's eyes were dancing. "Easy, Matt. It doesn't matter who. I think you've got a good idea. Call back in an hour, while I talk to Kate about this, okay." A brief pause. "Okay, bye." He closed the phone.
"What was that all about?"
"Are you sitting down?"
"Yes. Why?"
"You know all the talks we've had about you trying to make up with Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda?"
"Yes." She sounded despondent. "But I told you, while there might be a chance with the others, I don't see how Miranda could forgive me. I know I couldn't. And if she won't do it, the others won't, and I can't ask them to."
"You don't have to ask. They want to meet with you tomorrow to try to work things out. All three of them."
She was clearly astonished. "Even Miranda?!? How?"
"Yes, even Miranda. And I don't know exactly how, but I'll give ten-to-one that Matt is responsible. And before you ask, I'm invited, but both Matt and I are to be no closer than shouting range. This is to be between just you four."
"I'd rather you were closer, but I guess it makes sense. It could get nasty, and having somebody get protective could end things too fast."
"And I'm sure I'm not the only one they're worried about. Remember how Matt's voice turned when he asked you about if you were going to bother Miranda?"
She shuttered. "Yes, and the look in his eyes. I'm glad he'll be with you, not us."
"I'm not sure how to take that" he teased.
She lightly slapped his shoulder. "You know what I meant."
"Does that mean you'll do it?"
"Yes. I need to do this. And the sooner we do it, the less time I have to worry about it."
~~~~~~
"How you thought you were going to get any sleep without dealing with those aches is beyond me." Miranda chided Matt.
"Really, it's not that OUCH . . . bad." He said the last word resigned to the fact that his cry of pain had betrayed him. "I'm just not used to it. It'll be fine, really."
"Until you get used to it, you WILL let one of us help you." His mother's words left no room for argument.
The coffee table had been moved from the middle of the McGuire living room. In its place, Matt lay on his stomach, while Jo taught Miranda how to give the type of therapeutic massage she had used on his neck and arm Saturday. Sam found the whole situation rather amusing. "Just remind yourself that this was the first day. I'm sure you've got some even more interesting lessons to come."
"You're not helping, dad."
"Aside from the soreness, how did you like it?" Miranda asked.
"It was pretty good. Dr. Hyde's a nice guy. He even takes jokes about the name well."
"You told a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde joke to a judo instructor? What am I going to do with you."
"Whatever you . . ."
"Please don't say things like that when I'm in the room, Matt." Lizzie interrupted.
"Sorry, sis." He changed topic. "How was you're day with Gordo."
"About as good as two cast-and-crutch-bound people can have. They still don't know what happened, but not for lack of trying. That doctor of his is almost possessed with a need to found an answer."
"At least he's still trying. Are you ready for tomorrow? The way Ethan talked, I think Kate's already nervous."
"I can't get over how you two are getting along."
"Mutual goals. First was you and Gordo, now you three and Kate. I have no idea if things will stay like this. And you didn't answer the question OUCH! was that necessary?"
"Don't harass my friend. We're all nervous, hon. Just because we're doing this doesn't mean we trust her. She has a lot to answer for."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Tomorrow should prove very important. But first, Matt and Miranda have to face tonight, on separate mats. Next chapter: Fear itself.